Jim Murphy has vowed to unite the left and right factions within the Scottish Labour Party and turn it back into an election winning force.
The East Renfrewshire MP said if elected leader he would apply to become the next first minister and promised to bring Scotland “back together” after the divisive independence referendum campaign.
Mr Murphy is competing in the party leadership race against Lothians MSPs Neil Findlay and Sarah Boyack after the shock resignation of Johann Lamont last week.
But the MP rejected Ms Lamont’s claim that UK Labour treated the Scottish party like a “branch office”.
Mr Murphy, who hopes to be elected an MSP in order to lead a future Scottish Government, claimed it had never been run that way but admitted he would like it to have more autonomy.
UK Labour leader Ed Miliband also dismissed Ms Lamont’s analysis and urged the party to “move on” from the row, saying it was an “opportunity to renew”.
Mr Murphy said he is “big enough and ugly enough” not to be pushed around if elected leader and “no one will tell him what to do”.
“I will lead Labour from Scotland, for Scotland,” he added.
“I will listen and work with everyone who wants to make this a fairer country, but I will never be afraid to speak my mind and to stand up for what is right for Scotland.”
Mr Murphy said he wanted to end Labour’s losing streak.
“Starting with the UK general election in 2015, where I’m confident we can hold all the seats we currently have but pick up one or two on top and also win that election in 2016 for the Scottish Parliament.”
Mr Murphy said Labour had an opportunity to have a fresh start.
“The debate that has dominated Scottish politics for a generation, where power lies, is coming to an end,” he added.
“With a powerful parliament the never ending debate on powers can be replaced with a debate on increasing prosperity and tackling poverty.”
Mr Murphy, who embarked on a gruelling 100 streets in 100 days tour during the independence campaign, claimed “people were crying out for change.” and the country was at a “historic turning point”.
“Do we want to live in the past or move forward as one nation?” he asked.
“Will we keep fighting the battles of the referendum or will we bring people together and deliver real change in Scotland?”
“I will unite Labour and bring our country back together.”